PDBF extends three-year medal streak in HK

June 24, 2025 | 6:50 pm

HONG KONG – With thousands watching from the shores of Victoria Harbour, the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) once again proved that Filipino grit and teamwork can go toe-to-toe with the best of the world — but their history with dragon boat racing goes back much further than this year’s podium finish.

Long before dragon boat became a Filipino sport, it was Hong Kong (HK) that first introduced it to the Philippines. Back in the 1980s, the country’s Olympic rowers were invited to race in Hong Kong — a turning point that would ignite the sport back home. “We didn’t even have dragon boat athletes back then — just Olympic rowers,” said Atty. Jay Pee Villanueva, PDBF president. “But we fell in love with the sport. Hong Kong even donated our very first boats. That’s how far our friendship goes,” he added.

Since then, the Philippines has returned year after year, becoming a regular in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races since 2006. For PDBF, each race — in many ways — is a homecoming.

Competing in the 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, the Philippine team paddled to a hard-fought silver medal in the 500m Women’s International Championship, along with five other strong finishes — keeping their three-year streak of podium placements since the event returned after the pandemic.

The regatta, one of the most prestigious in the sport, brought together more than 4,500 athletes from 12 countries. For the Filipino paddlers, it wasn’t just about chasing medals; it was about representing the country with heart, discipline, and unity.

“This wasn’t an easy win. We trained for months, pushed through injuries, and sacrificed time away from our families. But when we were out there, all we thought about was making the country proud,” Mr. Villanueva added.

Aside from the silver in the women’s championship, the team also landed third runner-up finishes in the Women’s Grand Championship, the Mixed International Championship, and the Open International Silver Cup. Their open and mixed crews were not far behind either, proving the team’s strength across the board.

Celtics deal Jrue Holiday to Blazers for Anfernee Simons, picks

June 24, 2025 | 6:49 pm

THE Portland Trail Blazers are reacquiring two-time All-Star guard Jrue Holiday from the Celtics, sending guard Anfernee Simons and two future second-round draft picks to Boston in return, ESPN reported on Monday night.

Holiday, 35, who will earn $32.4 million next season, is owed a total of approximately $72 million in 2026-27 and 2027-28, after which his four-year, $134.4-million contract that he signed with the Celtics in April 2024 expires.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Simons joins the Celtics on an expiring contract. Per ESPN, the deal saves Boston $40 million in luxury tax payments next season.

In 2023, Portland landed Holiday in a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks for Damian Lillard, then sent the 16-year veteran to Boston and acquired a pair of first-round picks. Holiday never played a game for the Blazers.

Per the report, the Celtics are actively involved in trade talks involving multiple players on their roster following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear in the second round of the playoffs.

In his first season with the Celtics, Holiday played an instrumental role in the team’s run to the NBA title, shooting a career-high 42.9% from 3-point range in 2023-24 and earning All-Defensive team honors.

Holiday was a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009. He has career averages of 15.8 points, 6.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals with the 76ers (2009-13), New Orleans Pelicans (2013-20), Bucks (2020-23) and Celtics in 1,037 games (956 starts). He won his first NBA title with Milwaukee in 2021 and is a six-time All-Defensive selection. — Reuters

Ex-Major League player Steven Figueroa to coach Blu Girls

June 24, 2025 | 6:49 pm

THE Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) has tapped former Major League baseball player Steven Figueroa as head coach of its national women’s team that seeks to compete against the best in the planet.

“Coach Steven is a driving force. He doesn’t just hone individual talent, he’s implementing a system that elevates the entire sport of softball across the country,” said Asaphil President Jean Henri Lhuillier.

“Under his visionary direction, I am convinced that he can take Philippine softball to even greater heights, setting new benchmarks for success,” he added.

Mr. Figueroa, who played for the Atlanta Braves, had actually conducted a two-day softball clinic in January this year alongside another elite coach Skylynne Ellazar but eventually got the nod to handle the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls.

And Mr. Figueroa likes what he sees in the team, which is also preparing for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand late this year.

“This group has the discipline, the heart, and now, the structure to compete fiercely with the world’s best. We’re not just preparing for tournaments, we are forging a world-class softball program,” he said. — Joey Villar

Globetrotters launch Philippine leg of Asia Tour on Aug. 9

June 24, 2025 | 6:48 pm

IN celebration of their upcoming centennial celebration of its founding next year, the Harlem Globetrotters have launched the 2025 World Tour Asia that will be unveiled in the Philippines on Aug. 9 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The world renowned fun basketball team, which is famous for trick shots, signature spins, rim-rattling dunks and entertaining game, had sent its two members — Lou “Too Tall” Winston and Mark “Spalsh” Blunt — to the country last Monday to launch its much-awaited road show.

Messrs. Winston and Blount dazzled Filipino fans at the Tenement Court in Taguig City with the former impressing with a long-range shot from the fifth floor of the multi-level building that swished the net.

Organizers promise fans with pre-game offerings like the magic pass, post-game access, as well as in-game fan interactions with the Globetrotters.

The Philippine leg will open the team’s Asian Tour and will be followed with stops in Tachikawa (Aug. 12) and Yokohama (Aug. 29 to 31) in Japan, Seremban in Malaysia (Aug. 15), Singapore (Aug, 16-17), Jakarta (Aug. 19), Badung (Aug. 20) and Bali (Aug. 21) in Indonesia and Seoul (Aug. 23) in South Korea.

The Tour will be part of its preparation for next year for its 100^th year since it was formed. — Joey Villar

Proud Pacers

June 24, 2025 | 6:45 pm

The confetti did not fall for them. The trophy went to the competition. And yet, for longtime habitues of the sport who cheered as the Pacers went through the National Basketball Association Finals with grit, fire, and an unshakable belief in each other, one thing is clear: They have nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, they have everything to be proud of. Before the 2024-25 season began, not a single armchair expert pointed to them as Finals contenders. A number of pundits didn’t even have them making the playoffs. To their credit, however, they refused to listen to the noise. Instead, they resolved to prove their doubters wrong.

For all the’ supposed lack of superstars, the Pacers thrived on their collective being greater than the sum of their individual parts. They built a strong identity around pace, unselfishness, and relentless hustle — and they proved, night after night, that they could go toe-to-toe with the best of the best in the league. And, in retrospect, their Cinderella finish wasn’t borne of a miracle run. It was of them earning their way through every round, knocking off higher seeds, overcoming adversity, and utterly refusing to lose.

Considering how close the Pacers came to crafting an upset of historic proportions, fans can hardly be blamed for engaging in What Ifs. And amid all the speculation, one truth stands out: Had Tyrese Haliburton not suffered from a right leg injury — later presumed to be a torn Achilles tendon — seven minutes into Game Seven, the blue and gold would have been better equipped to handle the pressure in hostile territory. And he was playing extremely well, too, making three of four three-point attempts in battling the heavily favored Thunder to a draw by that point.

In any case, Haliburton had a postseason for the ages. He showed the world what the Pacers already knew: He’s a leader — at par with the NBA’s finest. He certainly played with flair, control, and intelligence, elevating those around him with his vision and calm in the crunch. If nothing else, he belied the ridiculous notion that he was overrated. Quite the opposite: He continually punched above his pay grade. Even as defenses keyed in on him, he kept trusting his teammates. He didn’t chase stats; he made winning plays. And he did it all with class, humility, and joy. He’s the face of the Hoosier State AND the future of the league.

For too long, the Pacers were stuck in the NBA’s middle ground — too good to tank, too inconsistent to contend. But their Finals run, however stunted, changed the narrative, and Indiana pro basketball mattered once more. Throughout the playoffs, the Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric; the diehards rallied behind stalwarts that embodied toughness, pride, and purpose. And more than merely chasing a ring, they reestablished a standard.

Looking ahead, it’s just too bad that the Pacers will likely aim to run it back sans Haliburton, who faces a long road to recovery. All the same, they have their pride to lean on. They tasted the Finals and felt the heartbreak. And while they did not end their campaign with a parade, they did so with belief that redemption will come. It’s not a matter of if, but when.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

US judge blocks Trump plan to close Harvard’s doors to international students

June 24, 2025 | 6:16 pm

PEOPLE walk on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, April 15. — REUTERS

BOSTON — A federal judge on Monday blocked President Donald J. Trump’s administration from implementing his plan to bar foreign nationals from entering the United States to study at Harvard University.

US District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston issued an injunction barring Mr. Trump’s administration from carrying out its latest bid to curtail Harvard’s ability to host international students amid an escalating fight pitting the Republican president against the prestigious Ivy League school.

The preliminary injunction extends a temporary order the judge issued on June 5 that prevented the administration from enforcing a proclamation Mr. Trump signed a day earlier that cited national security concerns to justify why Harvard could no longer be trusted to host international students.

She ruled after Mr. Trump’s Friday announcement that his administration could announce a deal with Harvard “over the next week or so” to resolve the White House’s campaign against the university, which has waged a legal battle against the administration’s various actions against the school.

Mr. Trump signed the proclamation after his administration had already frozen billions of dollars in funding to the oldest and wealthiest US university, threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status and launched several investigations into the school.

The proclamation prohibited foreign nationals from entering the US to study at Harvard or participate in exchange visitor programs for an initial period of six months and directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider whether to revoke visas of international students already enrolled at Harvard.

But Ms. Burroughs said Mr. Trump’s administration was likely violating Harvard’s free speech rights under the US Constitution’s First Amendment by retaliating against it for refusing to meet its demands to cede control over the school’s curriculum and admissions and by targeting it based on what officials viewed as the university’s left-leaning orientation.

The judge said that “at its root, this case is about core constitutional rights that must be safeguarded: freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of speech, each of which is a pillar of a functioning democracy and an essential hedge against authoritarianism.”

“Here, the government’s misplaced efforts to control a reputable academic institution and squelch diverse viewpoints seemingly because they are, in some instances, opposed to this Administration’s own views, threaten these rights,” she wrote.

Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Harvard said the ruling will allow it to continue hosting international students and scholars while this case moves forward. It added it will continue to defend the rights of the school, its students and scholars.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The university has filed two separate lawsuits before Ms. Burroughs, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, seeking to unfreeze around $2.5 billion in funding and to prevent the administration from blocking the ability of international students to attend the university.

The latter lawsuit was filed after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on May 22 announced that her department was immediately revoking Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows it to enroll foreign students.

Almost 6,800 international students attended Harvard in its most recent school year, making up about 27% of its student population.

Ms. Noem, without providing evidence, accused the university of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”

Her action was temporarily blocked by Ms. Burroughs almost immediately. While the Department of Homeland Security has since shifted to challenging Harvard’s certification through a lengthier administrative process, Ms. Burroughs at a May 29 hearing said she planned to issue an injunction to maintain the status quo, which she did officially on Friday.

A week after the hearing, Mr. Trump signed his proclamation, which cited concerns about Harvard’s acceptance of foreign money including from China and what it said was an inadequate response by the school to his administration’s demand for information on foreign students.

His administration has accused Harvard of creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students and allowing antisemitism to fester on its campus. Protests over US ally Israel’s treatment of Palestinians during its war in Gaza have roiled numerous universities’ campuses, including Harvard’s.

Rights advocates have noted rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in the US due to the war. The Trump administration has thus far announced no action over anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hate. Harvard’s own antisemitism and Islamophobia task forces found widespread fear and bigotry at the university in reports released in late April. — Reuters

Thailand closes border crossings with Cambodia as dispute deepens

June 24, 2025 | 6:16 pm

Thailand-Buddha statue — TOURISTS visit the Big Buddha statue in Phuket, Thailand on July 3, 2023. — REUTERS

BANGKOK — Thailand’s military has closed border crossings into Cambodia to almost all travelers, including tourists and traders, citing security concerns as tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors remain escalated over a simmering border dispute.

The deterioration in ties was sparked by brief armed clashes in a border area that left one Cambodian soldier dead late last month. Both governments have since announced measures designed to punish the other, including Cambodia’s recent suspension of all Thai fuel and gas imports.

Thailand will now restrict all vehicles, tourists and traders from crossing at all land border checkpoints in seven provinces bordering Cambodia, the military said in a statement issued late on Monday, citing security concerns.

There are exemptions for humanitarian reasons, such as for those needing medical attention, students and other urgent matters at the discretion of security units at checkpoints, the statement said.

The restrictions “matched the current security situation, particularly in addressing the conflict in areas between Thailand and Cambodia that continue to intensify politically, diplomatically and militarily,” the statement said.

The military said the measures would also assist in a crackdown on illegal scam centers in Cambodia flagged by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday.

Ms. Paetongtarn said Thailand would stop cross-border supplies of essentials, including electricity, to areas where illicit operations were taking place.

The prime minister has been under fire for her handling of the border row, particularly after the leaking of a phone call between her and Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former leader, that appeared to show her denigrating a senior Thai military commander. — Reuters

Record-breaking performance highlights Forest Lake’s 11^th National Sales Convention

June 24, 2025 | 6:00 pm

FL-9-min-OL — President’s Circle Awardees from various regions proudly take the stage in honor of their exceptional performance during the grand recognition night of Forest Lake’s 11th National Sales Convention.

Forest Lake Development Inc. recently staged its 11^th National Sales Convention at Dusit Thani Mactan, Cebu, a two-day event that celebrated a landmark 2024 for the company that saw national expansion, the launch of flagship programs, and over ₱3.8 billion in sales.

Held on April 24 and 25, Forest Lake brought together top-performing sales leaders, award-winning agents, executives, board members, employees, premier investors, and bank partners to commemorate an incredible year for the developer. In an altogether celebratory mood, esteemed guests reminisced on Forest Lake’s key milestones such as the official launch of Libre Burol in Central Luzon, North Luzon, and Visayas; the expansion to Zamboanga North and Kidapawan; the opening of the Forest Lake Chapel in Iloilo; and the ever-growing presence of Premier Investors and new bank partners.

A moment of glory for the National Sales Awardees who exemplified hard work, excellence, and leadership across Forest Lake’s network (National Awardees)

“This convention marks a year of strategic growth — not only with record-breaking sales, but in operations that continue to align with the evolving needs of Filipino families. From expanding our footprint through new park developments in Zamboanga North and Kidapawan, to offering Libre Burol across Luzon and the Visayas, we are deepening our commitment to Total Memorial Care,” said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO of Forest Lake.

“Our teams, sellers, and partners have helped drive this momentum. The success of 2024 is a result of concerted efforts across sales, product innovation, and service delivery — ensuring Forest Lake’s stature as the most trusted name in memorial care,” Xerez-Burgos III added.

The two-day event culminated in a grand Gala Night that featured the one and only Gary Valenciano, who, together with Maneuvers Ignite, brought his one-of-a-kind swagger to the festivities. Mr. Pure Energy entertained the crowd of over 480 guests, which included Forest Lake’s Premier Investors and bank partners who attended the event for the very first time. The presence of these stakeholders highlighted the increasing number of people willing to expand their portfolio with Forest Lake, a move that, in turn, signals the deepening confidence of investors in Forest Lake’s consistent performance, stability, and vision.

Gary V. brings the night to a powerful close with an electrifying performance, capping off Forest
Lake’s 11th National Sales Convention.

Still, going beyond premium entertainment, awards, and special guests, the night was truly made special by how it stood as a powerful reminder of Forest Lake’s long-term vision: to deliver meaningful, accessible, and dignified memorial care services to every Filipino family nationwide.

Forest Lake leaders and guests gather for a commemorative photo at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, host venue of the 11th NSC.

“More than touting the numbers, we are commemorating the legacy we continue to build — one rooted in compassion, dignity, and service. Forest Lake’s journey is a reflection of the lives we touch and the communities we serve. This convention is a tribute to the people behind that legacy — our teams, our clients, and our partners — who make our mission of meaningful memorial care a lasting reality,” said Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., Chairman of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

As Forest Lake forges ahead in 2025 and beyond, the industry leader remains committed to its objective of bringing Total Memorial Care to all Filipino families across the country.

About Forest Lake Development Inc.

Forest Lake Development Inc. is the Philippines’ leading developer of memorial parks, offering Total Memorial Care (TMC) services including Libre Burol and the Forest Lake Premier Investment Program. With branches across the nation, Forest Lake continues its mission to provide dignified memorial care services throughout the country, creating “A Better Place” for Filipino families.

For more information, follow Forest Lake on social media:

Facebook: @forestlakememorialparks

Instagram: @forestlakememorialparks

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Beloved Chinese restaurant Lido Cocina Tsina rolls out brand and interior refresh

June 24, 2025 | 4:00 pm

Bacoor-Grand-Opening-OL — Lido Cocina Tsina Bacoor, Cavite branch Grand Opening

Updated store look; new menu items meant to delight customers

Well-loved Chinese heritage restaurant Lido Cocina Tsina, home of Chinese-style Asado, is steadily rolling out a refreshed look and feel to their dining outlets together with a new brand identity. This is part of the 89-year-old restaurant chain’s push to stay current without losing touch of its storied roots, dating back to 1936 on T. Alonzo in Binondo.

First to enjoy this all-new Lido look is their Molino, Bacoor, Cavite, branch that went on soft opening last May, 2025.

“We’re incredibly proud to unveil Lido’s brand refresh — a thoughtful evolution that honors our heritage while embracing a modern dining experience,” says Annie Wong, President of Lido Cocina Tsina. “For over 80 years, we’ve remained committed to delighting our customers, and this next chapter builds on that legacy. From our updated interiors that evoke warmth and comfort to a revitalized brand identity, we’re confident both loyal patrons and first-time guests will feel the same heartwarming Lido hospitality — now in a more contemporary setting.”

This was proudly celebrated through the recent grand opening of the Lido Bacoor branch, where the ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by distinguished guests and partners. In attendance were Bacoor Councilor Rey Fabian, Councilor-Elect Jefferson Lao, Honorable DILG Assistant Secretary Florencio Bernabe, and Lido Cocina Tsina Owners Annie Wong and Mark Wu, along with Architect Peter Ong. Set against a backdrop of festive Chinese lion dances and vibrant balloon arches, the event marked a significant milestone in Lido’s evolution while honoring its rich cultural heritage.

Updated look and feel

Lido’s newly opened Bacoor branch debuts the brand’s refreshed look — featuring cozy, minimalist interiors with warm tones and natural textures that create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The new logo, with its clean lines and stylized pagoda icon, reflects Lido’s rich heritage and its modern evolution in Chinese dining.

New delightful dishes

Alongside these exciting changes are new menu offerings.

While all-time “Lido Legends” — dishes that feel like home — such as their Pugon Roasted Asado, Chami, Drunken Lechon Macau, and Shrimp Foo-Yong are always available to delight loyal patrons, new dishes have been added to further captivate lovers of Chinese cuisine.

“At the heart of Lido is our delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes that people have really come to love,” Annie Wong further says. “Now, we’re excited and proud to introduce our new product offerings whose development I personally supervised.”

Among these include Roasted Asado in Plum Glaze, Beef Brisket Curry, French Beans in XO, Radish Cake in XO, Hot Shrimp Salad and Cantonese-Style Crispy Noodles — all of which are sure to whet the appetite of foodies. Add to that, all are MSG-free!

With all the ongoing developments happening at Lido Cocina Tsina, longtime customers and new faces — families, officemates, and barkadas — will surely enjoy what Lido has in store.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Get ready: Nintendo Switch 2 launches exclusively on Nintendo Official Store on Shopee this June 26

June 24, 2025 | 3:35 pm

The next generation of Nintendo gaming is finally here — exclusively on Shopee!

Launching on June 26 at Nintendo’s Official Shopee Store, grab your official units at these launch prices:

Nintendo Switch 2 Console — ₱31,990 (includes 2-year warranty)

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle — ₱35,500 (includes physical game + 2-year warranty)

What to Expect at Launch

2-Year Warranty on All Consoles
Whether you choose the base unit or the bundle, every Nintendo Switch 2 bought from the Shopee official store comes with a 2-year warranty.

Mario Kart World Bundle — Physical Game Included
Start playing instantly with the Mario Kart World Bundle, which includes a physical copy of Mario Kart right in the box — no need to wait or download.

Full Line of Games & Accessories Also Available
Stock up and customize your play — official games, Joy-Cons, controllers, and other accessories will also be available during launch.

Exclusive Launch Offers

Flexible Payment with SPayLater — 0% Interest
Upgrade now and pay later with flexible payment options via Shopee SPayLater — giving you more ways to own your Nintendo Switch 2.

Up to 25% OFF in Stackable Vouchers
Get up to ₱1,200 OFF (min. spend ₱2,500). Use vouchers on consoles, games, or accessories!

Free Shipping Nationwide
No shipping fees, just smooth and secure delivery right to your doorstep.

Be First in Line!

Don’t miss your chance to own the Nintendo Switch 2 with official 2-year warranty, physical game bundles, and launch-exclusive Shopee deals. With games and accessories also available at launch, it’s the perfect time to upgrade or start your Nintendo journey.

Limited stocks only — be ready to add to cart and shop by midnight on June 26!

Shop Here:

Nintendo Official Store: https://bit.ly/ShopeeNintendoOfficialStore

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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“A scrap of paper”: Philippine VP Sara Duterte wants impeachment complaint dismissed

June 24, 2025 | 3:24 pm

MANILA — Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has described the impeachment complaint against her as “nothing more than a scrap of paper” in her formal response to the Senate, saying the case was baseless and should be dismissed for being unconstitutional.

The impeachment, widely seen as a test of political alliances, comes amid an acrimonious falling out between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that has sparked a broader power struggle ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Marcos, who has distanced himself from the case, is limited to a single term but is expected to groom a successor to run. Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is viewed as a strong rival contender if she avoids impeachment.

“The Vice President enters a plea of not guilty, without waiving any of her jurisdictional and other objections over the charges,” Duterte said in a submission dated June 23.

She dismissed the accusations against her as baseless, calling them “exaggerations and speculations that are not supported by evidence” in the 34-page response to the Senate.

In February, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte for betrayal of public trust and high crimes, sending the case to the Senate. On June 11, the Senate returned the case to the House shortly after convening as an impeachment court.

The Senate also ordered Duterte to respond to the allegations in the case, including that she had plotted to assassinate Marcos and others based on a statement she made in November about hiring an assassin.

She is also accused of misusing public funds both as vice president and during her stint as education secretary.

As well as saying there was nothing substantive for her to answer in the case, Duterte argued the impeachment complaint was the fourth filed against her, with the three earlier ones not acted on by the lower house.

This, she said, violated a constitutional safeguard against more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official within a year, reiterating the arguments she used in asking the Supreme Court to dismiss the complaint. That case is ongoing.

“There are no statements of ultimate facts in the Fourth Impeachment complaint. Stripped of its ‘factual’ and legal conclusions, it is nothing more than a scrap of paper,” Duterte’s reply said.

She faces a lifetime political ban if convicted.

Congresswoman Gerville Luistro, a member of the impeachment prosecution panel, confirmed the lower house had received Duterte’s reply to the Senate on Monday.

“The entire prosecution team is currently studying each and every allegation contained in the answer. Certainly, we will be filing a reply within 5 days from receipt as provided in the rules,” Luistro said in a phone message. — Reuters

Trump tariff deadline spurs Asia export surge, wider trade gaps

June 24, 2025 | 11:38 am

Operations at a container terminal at Haiphong Port in Vietnam. -- Photographer: Linh Pham/Bloomberg

The US trade deficit with Asia is widening as importers stock up ahead of President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs deadline.

Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand all reported record exports to the US in May, according to data released in the past few weeks. South Korean shipments were near a record last month and look to have grown again in early June, data released on Monday showed.

Those highs flip the normal historical pattern, where trade is stronger in the latter part of the year as Asian suppliers ship to the US ahead of Christmas holidays. The threat of new US tariffs starting in early July is forcing companies to get goods onto vessels and to the US as quickly as possible.

Shipments from Vietnam and Thailand to the US both jumped 35% in May from a year earlier, while Taiwanese exports soared almost 90%. Those historic gains are likely to start showing up in the US data this week, when May data is released, and could complicate negotiations between Trump and economies across the region on the level of tariff the US will set.

The US trade deficit has blown out this year as firms try to deal with the sudden changes to Washington’s tariff and trade policy. While a sharp rise in pharmaceutical imports from Europe has contributed to the shortfall, Asian nations are the largest single contributor to the gap.

The forecast is for the US trade deficit to have been $91 billion in May, enough to take it to almost $643 billion so far in 2025 — well beyond the previous record for this stage of the year set during the pandemic.

If Trump imposes historically high duties on countries across Asia in early July as he is threatening to do, that surge in exports could quickly reverse, undermining economic growth across the region.

Last month, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation organization slashed its forecast for GDP growth this year due to the trade tensions, with the economies of the 21 members seen expanding 2.6%, lower than the 3.3% forecast in March.

The policy volatility is already impacting trade with China, which saw shipments to the US drop in May, despite a tariff truce agreed in Geneva mid-month. Yet that might not be the whole picture: Even with the tariff reductions agreed in that deal, US import taxes are still at high levels, pushing some exporters to channel products via third economies in a process known as origin washing.

Chinese firms are also trying to shift their exports to other markets legitimately and sell more at home. Any sustained drop-off in exports risks undermining economic growth in China, which has been increasingly dependent on foreign demand to counteract the drag from a property slump and weak domestic consumption.

Other nations in Asia might start seeing a similar hit to their growth appearing soon if they can’t reach a deal with the US and escape hefty hikes in tariffs. — Bloomberg